Securities & Investment Company (SICO), the Bahrain based regionally focused investment bank, issued a report discussing its outlook of GCC markets during the second half of 2009. The report highlights that post 1Q09, a mild revival has been observed in the global macroeconomic picture and an improvement in global business confidence. This has triggered significant overall reductions in bank borrowing costs, improvement in liquidity and an increase in investor risk appetite, which has and is likely to continue to augment interest in equity markets. Nevertheless, it still believes that the recessionary fears and their potential effects are far from over, albeit the unprecedented stimulus packages and concerted efforts seem to have succeeded in averting further weakness in the global economy.

The full press release in English & Arabic can be downloaded here .